by Ben MillerOn March 25, 1634, settlers from the ships the Ark and the Dove held a Mass of Thanksgiving on St. Clement’s Island in Chesapeake Bay, marking the formal beginning of the Maryland colony. This week, on one special day, commemorative events run free from noon to 5pm at historic sites, houses and history museums. Some private residences are open to the public for this one day only, making March 30 your day to reconnect with the happenings of Maryland’s 374 years.continue reading...

by Carrie MadrenWhen Annapolis sculptor and teacher Deborah Banker turned 50, she wanted a rock. But she didn’t want the sparkly kind that comes in karats. What Banker wanted was a 683-pound chunk of raspberry alabaster. After more than a year, each change in the rock has been wrought by Banker’s stamina, each blow a feat of mind and muscle as woman masters stone. continue reading...